★ Spectacular Eryx Temple ★

C. Considius Nonianus. AR Denarius, 57 BC. Obv. Laureate and diademed bust of Venus Erycina right; behind, C·CONSIDI·NONIANI; before, S·C. Rev. Mountain, on which stands temple, surrounded by wall with gate; above gate, ERVC. Cr. 424/1; B. (Considia) 1; RRSC D 216. AR. 4.02 g. 17.5 mm. R. Great metal and full weight. A superb and perfectly centred example, from masterly engraved and detailed dies, brilliant with underlying luster. Very rare as such. EF/Good EF. Sold but not paid in our Auction LX. Describing Mt. Eryx and its temple complex, the Greek historian Polybius of Megalopolis writes: On its summit, which is flat, stands the temple of Venus Erycina, which is indisputably the first in wealth and general magnificence of all the Sicilian holy places. The city extends along the hill under the actual summit, the ascent to it being very long and steep on all sides. (World History, 1.55).